Amdram Societies Join Forces to Give New Look to Dolman Theatre

Rosamund Griffiths-Jones adds the finishing touches to the music themed dressing room which she designed and decorated with Newport Operatic Society. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Dozens of people from local amateur dramatic and musical societies have joined forces to give a major make-over to Newport’s Dolman Theatre.

Whilst the theatre has been closed for the summer volunteers have set to work refurbishing the 400-seat auditorium to give it a bright new look. Each society also chose a dressing room to decorate in a style of their own design

WAWWA members Brandon Gale and Robin Watts in the dressing room they decorated New York-style. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

“An enormous amount of time and effort has been put into this project and we will be eternally grateful to the people who have dedicated so much time to finish the work before the new season starts with ‘Blithe Spirit’ on 12th September,” said Steve Bissex-Williams, who designed the auditorium’s make-over.

“Working under the guidance of theatre manager Lisa Aston-Griffiths, we have painted the walls and ceiling, and re-sanded the floor back to its original state . Most of the seating has been re-upholstered and all the front stalls have been replaced with brand new seating. It really has been a hive of Industry with all the theatre’s hirers re-decorating the dressing rooms with their own themes and designs,” he added.

As well as members of Newport Playgoers Society, which owns and runs the theatre for the local community, volunteers from WAWWA, Newport Operatic Society, Playgoers New Generation, New Venture Players, Centrestage Cymru and Young Venture Players all pitched in to help.

Technology teacher Rosamund Griffiths-Jones designed the room decorated by Newport Operatic Society and used musical notes combined with theatrical quotes as its theme.

“I developed the idea to encompass all the diverse productions put on at the Dolman,” she said.

One of the beautiful illustrations created by Playgoers New Generation (PNG) (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Theatregoers will be able to check out the new look Dolman Theatre during ‘Blithe Spirit’ which is on from 12th – 15th September at 7.15 pm, with an extra matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30 pm. To book tickets call 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk. New members are always welcome to become involved both onstage and behind the scenes.

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